Prairie Restoration on Joint Base Lewis McChord
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Transcript of Prairie Restoration on Joint Base Lewis McChord
Prairie Restora+on on JBLM
JBLM Fish & Wildlife Program Mission: maintain, and enhance the various ecosystems on the installation to promote native biodiversity and support the military mission.
John Richardson Joint Base Lewis-‐McChord
Fish and Wildlife
≈97% Of Prairie Habitat Lost
Types of Habitat Loss
Habitat Degradation
Forest Encroachment
Urban Development
Conversion to Agriculture
Prairie Restora7on
! 1st Phase Removal of Invasive Species ! 3 Methods of Removal
! Mechanical ! Chemical ! Fire
! 2nd Phase Planting Native Vegetation
3 Phases
Plant and Seed Produc7on Seed Beds Sustainable Prisons Project
Restore Ecosystem Processes
Corner Stone of Prairie Restoration
Fire Dependent Ecosystems in Western Washington
! Adapted to Frequent Low Intensity Fires
! Historically Maintained Through Burning by Native Americans
Garry Oak Ponderosa Pine Glacial Outwash Prairie
Role of Fire in Ecosystems ! Nutrient cycling
! Stimulation of seed production and plant germination
! Control invasive species eg. Scot’s broom
! Reduction of pests
! Creates complex ecosystems
! Prevents encroachment of less fire adapted species
! Reduce risk of catastrophic fire
Typical Low Intensity Fire on JBLM
Before and AKer Fire 2010 2011
Habitat Exclusions
Principals of Ecological Fire Use ! Allow fire to act in its natural role
! Fire Regime ! No fixed return interval (1-‐3 years)
! Carefully Reintroduce Fire ! Create artificial mosaics as fire re-‐introduced
Conclusion
! Prairie Restoration is Difficult NOT Impossible
! Key Focus Conserve What Remains
! No Fire = No Prairie
Ques7ons?
! Contact Information ! John Richardson ! [email protected] ! 253-‐966-‐6447